Diagnose: Bicep what-if shows Delete on a resource you did not intend to remove

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SYMPTOM
Bicep what-if shows Delete on a resource you did not intend to remove

CAUSE
What-if Delete lines mean the template no longer declares a resource that exists - usually because deployment mode is Complete, or the resource moved modules/renamed and the template treats it as new-plus-old.

CONFIRM IT
CONFIRM: check the deployment command for `--mode Complete` (Incremental is the default and never deletes). Check whether the resource was renamed in the template - rename = delete + create to ARM.

FIX
FIX: switch to Incremental mode unless you truly want Complete; restore the resource declaration or pin the rename as a deliberate migration with backup. Never proceed past an unexpected Delete line - what-if is the last guardrail before data loss.

VERIFY
VERIFY: re-run what-if: no Delete lines except the ones you intend; then deploy.

Technical Details

Use when: No specific conditions
Published by: issueatlas
Published: 2026-09-26 12:46 UTC
Skill ID: skl_a8i1sRV0le1I60Ng3BzxuQ
Version ID: skv__-tlOqMiZNj21WKQAnoy8A

Version History & Decisions

Published version

Published guidance. View the version history for earlier changes.

2026-09-26 12:46 UTC